WRENS, GA. - Dr. James Royce Godfrey, Sr., 76,
loving husband of 57 years to Norma N. Godfrey, was
received into his eternal home on Monday morning, March
28, 2011, from the Washington County Extended Care
Facility in Sandersville GA.
Funeral services were held Thursday, March 31, 2011, at
11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Sandersville with Rev. Lee
Lacey and Dr. Bill Harrell officiating. Interment followed in
the Memorial Gardens Cemetery of Sandersville.
Royce was born to the late Murial E. Killebrew Godfrey
and the late Ralph Lonzo Godfrey in Eastman GA. He
played basketball in high school and was an avid basketball
fan, but he enjoyed other sports as well—baseball (Atlanta
Braves) and football (Georgia Bulldogs). While proudly
serving his country in the Air Force in Oklahoma during the
Korean War, Royce met the love of his life, Norma, whom
he married after his tour of duty. He received his Doctorate
of Ministry and faithfully served the Lord in Kentucky and
Georgia with his longest service (over 16 years) being at
Fort Creek Baptist Church. He had a great intellect and
loved to do research, especially Biblical research. He had a
true love for people but especially found great pleasure in
his grandkids. Royce fought a long, hard battle but is now
enjoying the fruits of his labor.
Royce's other survivors include his children, Debra G.
Duggan (Billy), Joyce G. Hartley (Bill), James R. Godfrey,
Jr. (Sheila), and Allison G. Williams; nine grandchildren,
Christal Duggan, Jon Duggan, Neal Hartley, Josh Hartley,
Matt Hartley, Audra Hartley, Alex Godfrey, Kellie Brooke
Huffman, and Jamie Godfrey; three great grandchildren,
Will Hartley, Anna Kate Hartley and Connor Mimbs; many
cousins; and many Christian brothers and sisters.
Pallbearers were Ben Huff, Kenneth Huff, Matt Huff,
Bruce McGahee, Bobby Killebrew, Chuck Killebrew, Tim
Killebrew and Steve Whatley. .
To assist with expenses, the family requests that memorial
contributions be made to James Funeral Home, PO Box
588, Wrens GA 30833.